Evelyn-Mae Nikolaus: 1931-2018

Evelyn-Mae was born June 16, 1931 in Pomona, CA, to Ralph and Frances Page. She developed a life-long love for the outdoors while enjoying camping trips to the Eastern High Sierra with her family.

Evelyn-Mae attended high school in Alhambra, CA. Following high school, she graduated from Whittier College with a degree in home economics which positioned her for her move to Big Pine where she took a job at Big Pine High School in 1954.

Shortly after moving to Big Pine, Evelyn-Mae met the love of her life Al.

During their courtship they enjoyed fishing and hiking trips through the Big Pine lakes, and other destinations along the eastern Sierras.

Following their marriage, they continued to explore the Sierras and beyond with their growing family.

Evelyn-Mae was an accomplished seamstress and cook who used her experience to tackle projects to include tent making, upholstery, and quilting. She created home–made, light weight, back packing food before it became a common staple in sporting goods shops.

Evelyn-Mae loved to travel, and with her family traveled throughout the Sierras with 16 day backpack trips every summer.

Additionally, she traveled through each of the 50 states, and many international destinations. During these trips Evelyn-Mae was passionate about the outdoors and spent time studying native plants, birds and wildlife.

Evelyn-Mae was an active member of the community. She was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church, and was an active member the Eastern Star, Native Plant Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, and a parent leader for 4-H and the Boy Scouts.

Evelyn-Mae wasproceeded in death by her loving husband of 49 years Alfonse.

Evelyn-Mae is survived by her sisters Thora Harris of Claremont,CA, and Jeanette (Herk) Rainey of Prosper, Texas, son and daughter-in-law, Ralph and Myra Nikolaus of Milpitas, CA.; son and daughter-in law Alfonse “Marty” and Kristen Nikolaus; grandsons, Alfonse “Marty” and Jeremy of Fallbrook,CA; daughter and son-in-law, Niki and Frank Cutler of Leona Valley, CA; granddaughters, Kaitlyn of Shell Beach, CA, and Megan (Kevin) Weeks of San Luis Obispo,CA; son and daughter-in-law, Frank and Debbie Nikolaus of Big Pine,CA; granddaughter, Kelsey of Reno, NV., and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

On Tuesday July 3rd, a graveside service will be held 8:00 am at the Independence Cemetery. A memorial service will follow at 9:00 am at the Pioneer Memorial Methodist Church in Independence.

The family requests attendees to wear red, white, and/or blue, as Independence Day was Evelyn-Mae’s favorite holiday.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Evelyn Mae’s memory be made to Pioneer Memorial Methodist Church in Independence, CA.

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